Are Genes Responsible for Infidelity?

[pelastration]

Genes may to blame for infidelity

(quote)
Some people may be genetically programmed to be unfaithful to their partner, a scientist has claimed.

Professor Tim Spector, of the Twin Research Unit at St Thomas's Hospital, London, says he has evidence of a genetic component to infidelity.

Focusing on women, he found that if one of a pair of twins had a history of infidelity, the chances her sister would also stray were about 55%.

In general it is estimated that just 23% of women are not faithful.

In addition, Professor Spector found the tendency for both twins to be either faithful, or unfaithful was strongest in identical pairs - who have identical genes.

He stressed that genes alone did not determine whether somebody was likely to be unfaithful - much was down to social factors.
... (en quote)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3783031.stm

 

[Monique]

In general it is estimated that just 23% of women are not faithful.

JÚST 23%?

..goes to look up study..

 

[Monique]

can't find it

 

[pelastration]

can't find it

A hidden majority?

 

[Dagenais]

23% of Americans?

Wouldn't be surprised...

 

[Moonbear]

Focusing on women, he found that if one of a pair of twins had a history of infidelity, the chances her sister would also stray were about 55%.

55%...hmm...so little more than a coin toss? Doesn't sound like much of a link to me.

I assume they mean infidelity in marriage? I'm sure many just don't bother getting married if they don't want to stick with just one man. I also think the rate of infidelity is higher than reported...only those who get caught are reported

 

[Monique]

I don't know what kind of a news report that is, since the data is still not published

 

[Moonbear]

I wonder if it's just preliminary data presented at a conference? I couldn't find any published work on it either.